Practice Tests vs. Real GMAT

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Practice Tests vs. Real GMAT

by aanderson04 » Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:04 pm
I have a very big dilemma..

I have taken the GMAT twice now with very unsatisfactory scores.. After taking it the first time this last March I committed myself to studying for about 7-9 hours a day from June to July 16 (the date of my second test). Keep in mind that prior to taking the GMAT the first time, I hardly studied and was sick when I sat for the test. Needless to say, I knew I had to study a lot after my first disappointing score.. I took several practice tests including Kaplan Diagnostic and practice tests and Kaplan monthly quizzes as well as the GMATprep practice tests..

After taking my last GMAT test a couple days ago, I'm VERY convinced that these GMATprep scores are not accurate. The only reason I have my doubts if they aren't helpful is because during my Quant section on my last GMAT test, I ran out of time before I answered the last question but am not sure if missing one question could really pull me down from the scores those GMATprep tests projected..

My score in the order of when I took them are as follows:

March 16 - Kaplan Free Practice Test Live: 460
March 19 - GMAT (1st attempt): 460 (Q30 V23)
June 26 - Kaplan Diagnostic: 53% correct.. (I'm not sure what the score would be)
July 7 - Kaplan Monthly Quiz: Seafoam: 41% correct
July 7 - Kaplan Monthly Quiz: Blue: 60% correct
July 10 - Kaplan Monthly Quiz: Green: 55% correct
July 12 - Kaplan Monthly Quiz: Purple: 61% correct
July 13 - Kaplan Monthly Quiz: Red: 65% correct
July 14 - Kaplan Monthly Quiz: Yellow: 73% correct
July 14 - GMATprep Practice Test 1: 600
July 15 - GMATprep Practice Test 2: 540
July 16 - GMAT (2nd attempt): 470 (Q31 V24)


Yes, I know my scores are lower than most of the ones I have seen on this forum, but I really need help understanding why the scores from the practice tests (especially from GMATprep!!!) are so skewed.

Additionally, if anyone has any advice on what I can do.. All I need is a score of 500 to get into the business program I'm trying to get to.

The following are the study guides that I have with asterisks next to the ones I have not read yet:

Kaplan LivePremier 2010
Kaplan Verbal Workbook
Kaplan Math Workbook
OG Verbal Workbook
Borders/Kaplan GMAT Flashcards
Princeton Cracking the GMAT *
Manhattan Quant Workbooks (ALL)*
OG 12 *
Kaplan Advanced*
OG Quant Workbook*
Source: — GMAT Strategy |

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well

by JeffB » Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:10 am
Well - I think you're taking too many tests in a row. Your brain was probably exhausted. You need to take at least 3 days off before you take the GMAT.

The analogy on the board goes, if you're going to run a marathon you don't run a marathon the day before do you?

I would only take one test per week and definitely definitely go through ALL of OG 12. If you have problems understanding the concepts in OG 12, goto that specific chapter in the Manhattan GMAT series.

Good Luck.

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by aanderson04 » Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:49 am
Thanks! I appreciate the advice!